AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Electric Current
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
Is electric current a vector quantity? Explain why or why not.
No, current is not a vector quantity. Although it has a direction, this direction is not associated with a coordinate system in space.
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Is electric current a vector quantity? Explain why or why not.
No, current is not a vector quantity. Although it has a direction, this direction is not associated with a coordinate system in space.
Define electromotive force (emf).
Electromotive force (emf, $\\mathcal{E}$) is the work done per unit of charge, or the electric potential difference, that drives current in a circuit.
What is the mathematical equation for current?
The equation for current (I) is $I=\frac{\Delta q}{\Delta t}$, where Δq is the amount of charge and Δt is the time interval.
How is the direction of conventional current defined?
The direction of current is defined as the direction that positive charge would move, regardless of the actual charge carriers.
What is electric current?
Electric current is the rate at which electric charge passes through a cross-sectional area of a medium, such as a wire.
What physical phenomenon is described as 'the movement of electric charges through a medium'?
The movement of electric charges through a medium is the fundamental description of electric current.
What is another term for the electric potential difference that drives current?
Another term for the electric potential difference that drives current is electromotive force, or emf ($\\mathcal{E}$).
What causes electric charge to move in a circuit?
Electric charge moves in a circuit in response to an electric potential difference.
In a circuit diagram, an arrow indicates the direction of current. What does this arrow represent?
The arrow represents the direction of conventional current, which is the direction positive charges would flow in response to the electric potential difference.
If 12 Coulombs of charge pass through a wire in 3 seconds, what is the current?
Using the equation $I=\frac{\Delta q}{\Delta t}$, the current is 12 C / 3 s = 4 A.